How to be a Great Senior Software Engineer & More | Patrick Akil | Beyond Coding Q&A #5

Team Selection

Selecting the right team members is crucial for the success of a startup, especially in the tech industry. Patrick Akil emphasizes the importance of having a technical co-founder who can challenge the team and ensure high-quality output. He believes that having team members with a stake in the company leads to better performance and commitment.

If you are adding value, I would always give out and allow people to have skin in the game because then they're really going to care.

--- Patrick Akil

Patrick also suggests that while consultants can be valuable, building an internal team is more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run 1.

   

Portfolio Value

A well-crafted portfolio can be a powerful tool for software developers, especially those starting in junior roles. Patrick shares that a portfolio should reflect one's passion and ability to learn new technologies, rather than just listing skills. He values curiosity and eagerness to learn over technical expertise alone.

What I look for in someone is someone that is curious, someone that is driven and eager to learn.

--- Patrick Akil

While a portfolio can demonstrate a baseline of technical skills, Patrick believes that the conversation during an interview is more telling of a candidate's potential and fit for the team 2.